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The 86th Airlift Wing Retiree Activities Office hosted the annual Retiree Appreciation Day event Oct. 13 to 17 on Ramstein as part of a weeklong celebration for retirees.
The event’s goal was to thank more than 3,000 military retirees in the KMC and celebrate their service with a variety of activities and provided information.
As soon as retirees entered Ramstein’s Officers’ Club, they were greeted by Soldiers, Airmen and Junior ROTC cadets at the front door waiting to escort them in. It was an extra touch of class, according to Luis de Andrade, 86th AW RAO director.
“These same volunteers also had breakfast with the retirees to share their time and some conversation with them,” de Andrade said. “The KMC truly showed that they care for our retiree community.”
Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th AW commander, was also present to share his gratitude for retirees.
“I recognize your contributions to the community and I seek to reciprocate,” Thomas said. “Know that you all are a part of Team Ramstein and are valued as such.”
The retirees were happy to hear Thomas’s kind words, according to Robert Belt, 86th AW RAO volunteer and retired Air Force maintainer.
“Seeing him in front of us and saying he appreciates us is encouraging,” Belt said. “It helps make us feel like we’re not forgotten and our service was (or is) worthwhile.”
Attendees were then invited to explore approximately 40 informational booths that were set up to provide retirees insight on programs and benefits that are still available to them, such as medical, legal and personal finance services.
“The most important part of this event is to remind retirees of their benefits,” Belt said. “A lot of retirees have busy lives and forget about what the military still offers them.”
While the RAO provided the structure for the event, it was the retirees who filled the building with warmth and character.
“Seeing the retirees come together and realize that they have a place to come and rekindle old acquaintances and reminisce, it gives a warm and fuzzy feeling,” Belt said.
This event demonstrated Ramstein’s thankfulness for its retiree community. Event organizers hope to see even more people return for next year’s events.
If retirees need additional information, the RAO is located on Ramstein, Bldg. 2120, room 108, or can be reached by telephone at 06371-47-5486.
